PARENTS are livid about their children's clothes getting soiled by dog fouling near a play area.

Despite notices asking owners to pick up dog mess, the problem continues in Queensbury, leaving youngsters reluctant to use the play space.

Ward Councillor Michael Walls has hit out at irresponsible owners.

"It is vital that children can access parks and open spaces without fear of roaming dogs or dog mess. Parents need to know their children are safe," he said.

The latest spate follows earlier calls for a high-profile campaign on the problem after fellow ward councillor Paul Cromie said he was getting more and more calls.

Councillor Walls (Con, Queensbury) said he had received complaints from people who live near a grassed and fenced play area in Lewis Drive, off Alexandra Street.

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"Children are getting their clothes soiled when playing there because of dog-fouling. It is making them reluctant to use the area," he said.

"There are notices asking people to pick up, but there are some who will not do this."

Mother-of-four Lisa Carmody said her children and friends' youngsters had been affected.

"It's really unpleasant and quite dangerous," said the 30-year-old of Sharkett Close.

"The kids were so upset and now we just don't bother to go to that play area. We have to get the car out and go elsewhere. But it's not that easy for everyone."

Cllr Walls said the issue was brought up at a drop-in session in Queensbury and had been highlighted on local surveys.

"Children need the freedom to go outdoors, getting fresh air and exercise, especially when child obesity rates are so high," he said.

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Last summer, Cllr Walls started a green dog walkers scheme which has attracted members who try to persuade people to pick up.

"We try to do this in a pleasant way, even providing bags for people to collect the dog dirt.

"One woman member of the team has picked up 600 piles at the last count," Cllr Walls said.

Cllr Cromie (Ind, Queensbury) has raised the issue with Bradford Council and is backing calls for special action days to combat the problem.

Meanwhile, Bradford Council has joined forces with environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy to help tackle dog fouling.

Councillor Andrew Thornton, the authority's Executive Member for Environment and Sport, said: "The vast majority of dog owners are responsible people, who habitually pick up after their dog and dispose of the poo bags correctly, either in the nearest bin or disposing of them in their own household waste bin."

A Council spokesman added: "Please report if you have witnessed a specific incident of dog fouling, and you know the name and address of the owner and are willing to make a statement. Visit bradford.gov.uk to report this."